ALD Introduces New SAB MOSFET for Efficient Supercapacitor Balancing and Power Management

Advanced Linear Devices Inc. (ALD), a pioneering force in analog semiconductor design, has introduced the latest member of its Supercapacitor Auto-Balancing (SAB™) MOSFET lineup. This dual MOSFET delivers exceptional auto-balancing functionality and optimized power management for supercapacitors operating between 2.8V and 3.3V. The ALD910030 consumes virtually no power during cell balancing while mitigating the risk of catastrophic failures. Its integration enhances performance across a broad spectrum of applications, including utility enclosures, industrial systems, backup power solutions, uninterruptible power supplies, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics.

Historically, supercapacitors in widespread use have had voltage ratings from 2.7V to 3.0V. However, as 3.3V-rated supercapacitors become increasingly prevalent, there is a growing need for sophisticated voltage and leakage current balancing strategies. ALD’s newest SAB™ MOSFET directly addresses this challenge by efficiently and accurately balancing series-connected supercapacitors. With an ultra-low leakage current dissipation, this component significantly reduces excess power consumption, making it an energy-efficient solution for a diverse range of applications. Each unit is factory-trimmed with precision to meet specific voltage requirements.

Supercapacitors are frequently stacked in series to achieve the necessary voltage thresholds. For example, four 3.3V supercapacitors can be connected in series to accommodate applications requiring a standard 12V DC supply. This arrangement results in a 13.2V output, effectively supporting 12V power supply needs while providing headroom for voltage variations.

Thanks to its specialized electrical properties, the ALD910030 enables meticulous monitoring and regulation of both voltage and leakage current in series-connected supercapacitor arrays. The MOSFET dynamically modulates drain currents, ensuring effective voltage balancing while preventing power fluctuations and voltage runaway. Designed for reliability, it functions across a wide temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.

ALD provides an extensive selection of SAB MOSFETs to support supercapacitor balancing from 1.6V up to 3.0V and beyond. The ALD910030SALI is available in an 8-pin SOIC package.